Calving Season in the Serengeti

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Traveling to Africa is exciting year-round as there is always game to be found across several countries, but some times of the year are truly magical. For a few weeks at the start of the year, traveling to the Serengeti in Tanzania gives you the rare opportunity to witness calving season, where thousands of wildebeest are born each day.

Each year the Serengeti plays host to hundreds of thousands of animals during the migration. In June and July wildebeest make their way across the Grumeti River moving northwest in the park, a sight that easily tops the bucket lists of many travelers. By December, the herds have started to make their way back down south to the southern Serengeti to feed on the short green grasses of the plains. By late January and early February, perhaps the greatest spectacle of the Serengeti takes place with the wildebeest calving season. Approximately 8,000 young wildebeest are born every single day during the peak of the season. There truly is nothing that compares to seeing a baby wildebeest take off running just minutes after being born.

Along with the overwhelming numbers of calves born come the predators. During calving season, the Southern Serengeti and Western Ngorongoro Conservation area host the highest concentration of predators in Africa. Lions, hyenas, and cheetahs show up in large numbers to patrol the grasses, waiting for the perfect time to make a kill. But an easy kill isn’t always guaranteed. Female wildebeest instinctively know to head to the short grass plains so that they can see approaching predators. There they form a barricade around birthing mothers to protect them and the young when they are the most vulnerable, during birth, ensuring the majority of the young survive.

Traveling to the Serengeti during calving season promises an exciting adventure full of wonder and plenty of action. The hunting of young wildebeest by large cats is part of nature, and during the few weeks of calving season, you’re sure to see some magnificent kills, especially from the agile cheetahs.

There are several great properties in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu areas that allow you to stay close to the action. Mobile migration camps follow the herds throughout the year and position themselves close to the wildebeest during calving season. With tents of wood and canvas, they offer a true “Out of Africa” authentic luxury safari experience with the promise to see exceptional game and predator activity.

If a mobile-tented camp is your preference, we recommend Olakira Camp, located in the Ndutu region of the southern Serengeti, Ubuntu Camp, positioned close to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Kimondo Camp, set deep in the southern Serengeti with views of a permanent waterhole. Each camp offers eight guest tents with en-suite bathrooms and a common area for meals and relaxing between game drives. From your private verandah or terrace, enjoy your morning cup of tea or coffee while keeping your eyes open for game.

If you’re looking for a permanent lodge in the area, consider Mwiba Lodge, one of our favorite properties in the southern Serengeti. It’s located in the Mwiba Wildlife Reserve in the greater southern Serengeti and overlooks a rocky gorge on the Arugusinyai River. Lush botanicals, ancient coral and acacia trees, and 33 freshwater springs surround the lodge. Eight double suites are elegantly decorated with linen sofas, ornate wood carved furniture, and neutral tones of creams, tans, charcoals, and black. Rooms are open with retreat-like bathrooms with large soaking tubs, outdoor showers, and copper fixtures. A large deck looks out over the stunning landscape. From Mwiba Lodge, excursions can head into the heart of the calving area to see the phenomenon up close. Beyond game drive, Mwiba offers a wide range of activities including bush walks on the Mwiba Wildlife Reserve, cultural village tours, and rock art tours.

Whether you choose to stay in a luxury lodge or a mobile-tented camp, you can be certain that game viewing during the calving season is one of the best times to be in Africa.

For more information about traveling to the Serengeti during calving season,contact your Luxury Travel Consultant or visit us online at www.kerdowney.com. Stay up to date on all of Ker & Downey’s online content by “liking” our Facebook page.